WRTA Announces Theme of Fall Expo
“Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever”
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 25, 2009) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced “Make 2010 Your Best Year Ever” as its official theme for this fall’s World Religious Travel Expo. The newly chosen motto will serve as the guiding principle and overall purpose of the three-day event.
“Our theme serves as an invitation to tap into the flourishing religious travel and hospitality industry,” said WRTA president, Kevin J. Wright. “We all know this is a very trying time for many companies. However, as faith tourism provides new market and revenue possibilities, the World Religious Travel Expo provides organizations with a renewed opportunity to experience their best year yet.”
Faith-based travel and hospitality has become an important new market segment for many tour operators, travel agents, destinations and suppliers in the industry. In the past year alone, the religious market has taken on even greater significance, due to its recession-proof and groups-dominated attributes. An estimated 75% of faith-based travelers prefer to travel in group settings while 80% would like to repeat their religious travel experience. Challenging times only serve to bring people of faith together in greater numbers for travel or convention purposes; providing a much needed “stimulus” to the industry.
WRTA recently opened registrations for the Word Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference 2009, which will be held November 14-16, 2009, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in Reno, Nevada (USA). Serving as the most important meeting and tradeshow in the religious travel and hospitality industry, the event is expected to draw tourism organizations and travel professionals from 30-plus countries.
A new highlight for the Expo includes co-locating with the National Tour Association Annual Convention, offering members of both associations unprecedented opportunities for business growth, networking, and access to new market opportunities.
For more information about attending or exhibiting at the World Religious Travel Expo, contact the World Religious Travel Association at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or +1-859-219-3529 or by email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com. For more information about WRTA and the Expo, visit www.WRTAreligioustravel.com and www.WRTAexpo.com respectively.
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Jun 25, 2009
Jun 21, 2009
Early Bird Discounts ending soon
If you're looking for special savings to attend the World Religious Travel Expo.....be sure to hurry! Early Bird discounts to attend or exhibit at the World Religious Travel Expo will be ending in the coming weeks. For more info, visit www.WRTAexpo.com or call 888-255-WRTA (9782).
Jun 3, 2009
World Religious Travel Expo video released
WRTA just released its inspriational World Relgious Travel Expo video on YOU TUBE. It can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c25vbpwqQ1o
Apr 29, 2009
WRTA Opens registrations for Expo 2009
The World Religious Travel Association is now open and accepting registrations for the World Religious Travel Expo 2009.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE for best booth space.
To reserve your exhibit booth or attendance, contact WRTA at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or 859-219-3529....or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE for best booth space.
To reserve your exhibit booth or attendance, contact WRTA at 888-255-WRTA (9782) or 859-219-3529....or email headquarters@WRTAreligioustravel.com.
Apr 13, 2009
World Religious Travel Expo 2009
The World Religious Travel Expo 2009 will be held in Reno, Nevada (USA) at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
The official website: www.WRTAexpo.com
The official website: www.WRTAexpo.com
Nov 4, 2008
Faith Tourism Takes Center Stage of Global Travel Industry
Inaugural World Religious Travel Expo Brings Several “Firsts,” including Unprecedented Panel
of Tourism Officials from Palestine, Israel, Jordan & Egypt that Signals Greater Holy Land Tourism Co-Op
LITTLETON, Colorado (Nov. 4, 2008) – The inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference concluded Saturday after a week of “firsts” – the tourism minister of Palestine made her first foray into a North American trade show, marketing holy sites such as Bethlehem and Nazareth; participants from 30 countries on six continents gathered for the first large-scale gathering to promote and develop the $18 billion worldwide faith tourism industry; and WRTA announced that its second annual expo would be held next November in conjunction with the 2009 National Tour Association (NTA) annual convention.
“Faith tourism is no longer a niche, but a full-blown industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “The tremendous response from global tourism leaders and organizations to our first trade show and conference clearly demonstrates that our partners around the world are committed to developing and promoting meaningful products and services that meet the needs of today’s faith-based travelers.”
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land were represented at this assembly of global leaders in the religious travel industry. Keynote speakers included the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests included Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).
According to Daibes, the Palestinian tourism minister, the WRTA Expo marked her “first step in positioning Palestine as part of the Holy Land.” ACA Travel and Tourism, a private Bethlehem-based faith travel company that operates tours in Jordan, Israel and Palestine, had a booth at the WRTA Expo, a first American trade presence for any private tourism enterprise from Bethlehem.
During a panel Friday moderated by Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board of North America, Palestine’s Daibes and Israel’s Sommer explained that the Holy Land has welcomed travelers for more than two thousand years and hospitality lies at the core of the region’s heritage. Both officials also stated that 2008 is serving as one of the best years ever on record for visitors to the Holy Land. Asfour, who has promoted Jordan to North Americans since 1998, called the panel groundbreaking because it marked the first time that officials from all areas of the Holy Land – Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt – have come together to promote the region to the North American travel industry. Asfour congratulated Wright for doing what no travel official had done before – and commented that the WRTA Expo could mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and promotion of the Holy Land to travelers from North America.
Other highlights of the WRTA Expo:
• Vanderpool-Wallace, tourism minister of the Bahamas, reminded participants that his country was founded by people seeking religious tolerance and freedom, so it is only natural that faith-based travelers would be attracted to the people and culture of the Bahamas. The Caribbean nation, a popular destination for faith-based cruises and conferences, has the only tourism ministry in the world with a full-time religious travel department in North America, headed by deputy director Linville Johnson.
• Biltaji, often described as the godfather of Jordanian tourism, shared an update on the Abraham Path Initiative, a route of tourism that retraces the journey made by Abraham (Ibrahim) through the heart of the Middle East some four thousand years ago. Biltaji, a board member of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), told the Expo audience that a walking segment of the Jordanian portion of the path (near the ancient birthplace of the prophet Elijah) is complete. A film on the project can be viewed at http://www.abrahampath.org/video_friend.php. The network of trails is scheduled to open slowly over the next several years. Biltaji explained that such an undertaking needs the support of the entire global faith tourism industry. He emphasized the benefits of the path -- sustainable tourism, inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding. (Three and a half billion people — over half the human family — trace their history or faith back to Abraham, considered the father of monotheism. The Abraham Path honors this shared cultural heritage by linking together into a single itinerary of outstanding interest and beauty of the ancient sites associated with Abraham and his family.)
• The Mexico Tourism Board, which estimates that religious travel will account for twenty percent of its 2008 foreign arrivals, presented a lively display of Mexican culture, history and religious products, including the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, its most visited Catholic sanctuary, which drew more than 14 million visitors in 2006.
Expo participants had access to workshops and presentations on the entire spectrum of faith-based tourism, which today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo showed the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside overtly religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, were those with a less obvious connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Mexico, Romania, Korea, Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas tourism ministries
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
More than 500 participants attended the historic event, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. Expo delegates said they were impressed with the professionalism of the event, the quality of exhibitors and attendees, and the business opportunities the event fostered:
• “It was truly a first class event- from your pick of convention centers, to the amazing food, to the wonderful panel discussions and break-out sessions and everything else that went into the 3-day Expo. The expo proved to be very enlightening for me, learning so much about faith based travel, and the travel industry in and of itself. I met a great group of people who shared some valuable information with me. It was also a success from a business point of view since I believe I generated a lot of excitement about my hiking tours to Israel.” – Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers
• “I just returned from the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference in Orlando, organized by Mr. Kevin J. Wright and his wonderful team. As an exhibitor I was most impressed with the exceptional services provided to everyone attending, the attention to detail, how true the show was to its faith-based focus etc. This list could go on forever. I highly recommend the World Religious Travel Association; I am surely looking forward to continuing our cooperation.” – Sandra Weinacht, CEO, Incantato Tours & Concert Management
• “Thank you so much for putting together a great conference for everyone in the faith-based travel industry! I had a great time, made many contacts and learned a lot in the seminars! I truly appreciate all the work that you put into the event. I especially appreciate the matchmaking list. It will allow me to follow up with new contacts and friends much more easily now that the conference is over.” - Tracie R. Heidt, Executive Director, Stellaris Christian Study Abroad
• “The Expo and conference was a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the power of the Faith Tourism market.” – Bill Lawrence, Director, Supplier Strategies, CCRA International, Inc.
Next year’s Expo will be held in Reno, Nevada in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Tour Association (NTA). Currently, 35 percent of NTA operators offer religious tour products, and NTA and WRTA seek to expand the overall growth of faith tourism by bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development.
The WRTA Expo is the brainchild of Wright, an award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks who founded WRTA in January, 2007. His latest book, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. An updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” was released Nov. 1 by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo was the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
of Tourism Officials from Palestine, Israel, Jordan & Egypt that Signals Greater Holy Land Tourism Co-Op
LITTLETON, Colorado (Nov. 4, 2008) – The inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference concluded Saturday after a week of “firsts” – the tourism minister of Palestine made her first foray into a North American trade show, marketing holy sites such as Bethlehem and Nazareth; participants from 30 countries on six continents gathered for the first large-scale gathering to promote and develop the $18 billion worldwide faith tourism industry; and WRTA announced that its second annual expo would be held next November in conjunction with the 2009 National Tour Association (NTA) annual convention.
“Faith tourism is no longer a niche, but a full-blown industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “The tremendous response from global tourism leaders and organizations to our first trade show and conference clearly demonstrates that our partners around the world are committed to developing and promoting meaningful products and services that meet the needs of today’s faith-based travelers.”
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land were represented at this assembly of global leaders in the religious travel industry. Keynote speakers included the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests included Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT).
According to Daibes, the Palestinian tourism minister, the WRTA Expo marked her “first step in positioning Palestine as part of the Holy Land.” ACA Travel and Tourism, a private Bethlehem-based faith travel company that operates tours in Jordan, Israel and Palestine, had a booth at the WRTA Expo, a first American trade presence for any private tourism enterprise from Bethlehem.
During a panel Friday moderated by Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board of North America, Palestine’s Daibes and Israel’s Sommer explained that the Holy Land has welcomed travelers for more than two thousand years and hospitality lies at the core of the region’s heritage. Both officials also stated that 2008 is serving as one of the best years ever on record for visitors to the Holy Land. Asfour, who has promoted Jordan to North Americans since 1998, called the panel groundbreaking because it marked the first time that officials from all areas of the Holy Land – Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt – have come together to promote the region to the North American travel industry. Asfour congratulated Wright for doing what no travel official had done before – and commented that the WRTA Expo could mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation and promotion of the Holy Land to travelers from North America.
Other highlights of the WRTA Expo:
• Vanderpool-Wallace, tourism minister of the Bahamas, reminded participants that his country was founded by people seeking religious tolerance and freedom, so it is only natural that faith-based travelers would be attracted to the people and culture of the Bahamas. The Caribbean nation, a popular destination for faith-based cruises and conferences, has the only tourism ministry in the world with a full-time religious travel department in North America, headed by deputy director Linville Johnson.
• Biltaji, often described as the godfather of Jordanian tourism, shared an update on the Abraham Path Initiative, a route of tourism that retraces the journey made by Abraham (Ibrahim) through the heart of the Middle East some four thousand years ago. Biltaji, a board member of the International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT), told the Expo audience that a walking segment of the Jordanian portion of the path (near the ancient birthplace of the prophet Elijah) is complete. A film on the project can be viewed at http://www.abrahampath.org/video_friend.php. The network of trails is scheduled to open slowly over the next several years. Biltaji explained that such an undertaking needs the support of the entire global faith tourism industry. He emphasized the benefits of the path -- sustainable tourism, inter-cultural and inter-religious understanding. (Three and a half billion people — over half the human family — trace their history or faith back to Abraham, considered the father of monotheism. The Abraham Path honors this shared cultural heritage by linking together into a single itinerary of outstanding interest and beauty of the ancient sites associated with Abraham and his family.)
• The Mexico Tourism Board, which estimates that religious travel will account for twenty percent of its 2008 foreign arrivals, presented a lively display of Mexican culture, history and religious products, including the Basilica of our Lady of Guadalupe, its most visited Catholic sanctuary, which drew more than 14 million visitors in 2006.
Expo participants had access to workshops and presentations on the entire spectrum of faith-based tourism, which today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo showed the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside overtly religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, were those with a less obvious connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Mexico, Romania, Korea, Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas tourism ministries
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
More than 500 participants attended the historic event, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. Expo delegates said they were impressed with the professionalism of the event, the quality of exhibitors and attendees, and the business opportunities the event fostered:
• “It was truly a first class event- from your pick of convention centers, to the amazing food, to the wonderful panel discussions and break-out sessions and everything else that went into the 3-day Expo. The expo proved to be very enlightening for me, learning so much about faith based travel, and the travel industry in and of itself. I met a great group of people who shared some valuable information with me. It was also a success from a business point of view since I believe I generated a lot of excitement about my hiking tours to Israel.” – Judy Mizrachi, President, Women Walkers
• “I just returned from the World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference in Orlando, organized by Mr. Kevin J. Wright and his wonderful team. As an exhibitor I was most impressed with the exceptional services provided to everyone attending, the attention to detail, how true the show was to its faith-based focus etc. This list could go on forever. I highly recommend the World Religious Travel Association; I am surely looking forward to continuing our cooperation.” – Sandra Weinacht, CEO, Incantato Tours & Concert Management
• “Thank you so much for putting together a great conference for everyone in the faith-based travel industry! I had a great time, made many contacts and learned a lot in the seminars! I truly appreciate all the work that you put into the event. I especially appreciate the matchmaking list. It will allow me to follow up with new contacts and friends much more easily now that the conference is over.” - Tracie R. Heidt, Executive Director, Stellaris Christian Study Abroad
• “The Expo and conference was a wonderful way to introduce everyone to the power of the Faith Tourism market.” – Bill Lawrence, Director, Supplier Strategies, CCRA International, Inc.
Next year’s Expo will be held in Reno, Nevada in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Tour Association (NTA). Currently, 35 percent of NTA operators offer religious tour products, and NTA and WRTA seek to expand the overall growth of faith tourism by bringing both memberships opportunities for education and professional development.
The WRTA Expo is the brainchild of Wright, an award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks who founded WRTA in January, 2007. His latest book, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. An updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” was released Nov. 1 by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo was the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
Oct 24, 2008
Global Travel Industry Shines Spotlight on Faith Tourism
GLOBAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON FAITH TOURISM
DURING DIM ECONOMIC TIMES
World Religious Travel Expo Draws Participants from 30 Countries, 6 continents to Orlando
LITTLETON, Colorado (October 27, 2008) – Faith-based travel has made believers out of tourism leaders from around the world – as travel officials, providers and planners from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference. Although religious travel is one of the oldest forms of tourism, dating back to ancient times, the expo will be the first global marketplace gathering ever to take place.
The expo comes in the same month that the comic documentary “Religulous” fills screens with Bill Maher traveling the globe to challenge the validity of various faiths. Proof that despite its detractors, religion is not only relevant to people – it is vital. In fact, religious travel is so hot right now that the travel industry looks to capitalize on it while other parts of the travel sector have gone cold during the current economic downturn.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of global leaders in the $18 billion faith tourism industry. Keynote speakers include the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests include Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism.
“Faith tourism has evolved to the point where a gathering of this magnitude is necessary for the industry to respond to the needs of today’s faith-based consumers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “Our global partners recognize that – just as in music, books and film – contemporary religious consumers represent tremendous market potential for travel organizations willing to provide meaningful products and services that meet their specific needs. With its wide variety of travel experiences and attractions that draw thousands of faith-based groups each year, Central Florida is the ideal destination to launch this inaugural Expo.”
Faith-based tourism today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo show the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside obvious religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, are those with a less overt connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Romanian Tourist Office
• Korea Tourism Organization
• Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
The gathering will bring the world of faith tourism to the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center, in the heart of the Orlando/Kissimmee tourism hub.
"The Kissimmee area and the Osceola County tourism community feel blessed to host WRTA's first-ever gathering of faith-based tourism professionals,” said Tom Lang, director of the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our hope is that every conference and tradeshow participant will feel welcome in our community, and that they will find time to avail themselves of our area's natural and man-made sanctuaries."
Participants will have the option to visit Orlando’s own Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project during a special excursion led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. And an updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” is due out in November by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo is the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
An estimated 500 participants are expected at the historic event.
For more information, including the schedule and complete list of exhibitors and speakers, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
###
DURING DIM ECONOMIC TIMES
World Religious Travel Expo Draws Participants from 30 Countries, 6 continents to Orlando
LITTLETON, Colorado (October 27, 2008) – Faith-based travel has made believers out of tourism leaders from around the world – as travel officials, providers and planners from 30 countries on six continents will gather in Orlando, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, for the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference. Although religious travel is one of the oldest forms of tourism, dating back to ancient times, the expo will be the first global marketplace gathering ever to take place.
The expo comes in the same month that the comic documentary “Religulous” fills screens with Bill Maher traveling the globe to challenge the validity of various faiths. Proof that despite its detractors, religion is not only relevant to people – it is vital. In fact, religious travel is so hot right now that the travel industry looks to capitalize on it while other parts of the travel sector have gone cold during the current economic downturn.
Destinations, tour operators, cruise lines, attractions, hotel properties, travel suppliers and a host of other providers and planners from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Holy Land will be represented at this assembly of global leaders in the $18 billion faith tourism industry. Keynote speakers include the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II; Maurice Zarmati, President, Costa Cruise Lines; and Steve Born, Vice-President, Globus Family of Brands. Other dignitaries and special guests include Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Palestine; David Pereira Catarino, Mayor of Ourém (Fatima), Portugal; and Arie Sommer, Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, Israel Ministry of Tourism.
“Faith tourism has evolved to the point where a gathering of this magnitude is necessary for the industry to respond to the needs of today’s faith-based consumers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), host of the event. “Our global partners recognize that – just as in music, books and film – contemporary religious consumers represent tremendous market potential for travel organizations willing to provide meaningful products and services that meet their specific needs. With its wide variety of travel experiences and attractions that draw thousands of faith-based groups each year, Central Florida is the ideal destination to launch this inaugural Expo.”
Faith-based tourism today is more than just pilgrimages – it attracts travelers on cruises, volunteer vacations, adventure trips (even African safaris), leisure vacations, conferences and events, such as the World Youth Day, one of the largest gatherings of any kind. The exhibitors and products at the WRTA Expo show the diversity of the faith tourism industry. Alongside obvious religious travel suppliers such as the tourism ministries of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel, are those with a less overt connection, such as:
• EcoAndes Travel, Ecuador (Adventure tours in South America)
• Nissi Holidays, Uganda; Cordial Tours and Travel Services, Tanzania (Africa safari operators)
• Romanian Tourist Office
• Korea Tourism Organization
• Jamaica, Bermuda and Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
• Condor Verde Travel (Mexico and Venezuela)
The gathering will bring the world of faith tourism to the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center, in the heart of the Orlando/Kissimmee tourism hub.
"The Kissimmee area and the Osceola County tourism community feel blessed to host WRTA's first-ever gathering of faith-based tourism professionals,” said Tom Lang, director of the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Our hope is that every conference and tradeshow participant will feel welcome in our community, and that they will find time to avail themselves of our area's natural and man-made sanctuaries."
Participants will have the option to visit Orlando’s own Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project during a special excursion led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. And an updated version of his popular “Europe’s Monastery & Convent Guesthouses” is due out in November by Liguori Publications.
The WRTA Expo is the official kick-off of “The Year of Faith Tourism.” Serving as a special time set aside for the promotion of and participation in travel by people of faith, the purpose and goals of the yearlong celebrations and activities are: (1) Highlight the New Era of Faith Tourism. (2) Increase the awareness of the personal and communal benefits of Faith Tourism. (3) Contribute to the overall growth and health of the global economy, travel industry, and individual travel providers.
An estimated 500 participants are expected at the historic event.
For more information, including the schedule and complete list of exhibitors and speakers, visit www.religioustravelexpo.com.
###
Special Offers at World Religious Travel Expo
WORLD RELIGIOUS TRAVEL EXPO DEBUTS LUCRATIVE
SPECIAL OFFERS PROGRAM FOR AGENTS
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 20, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced details of the special incentives and offers program, worth thousands of dollars, that will be available to buyers attending the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
Highlights include:
• Bonus commissions and cash rebates up to $1,000
• Familiarization (FAM) trips and cruises ranging from the Caribbean to Europe to the Holy Land
• Prize drawings for airline tickets, escorted group tours, travel product baskets, and more
• Free gifts including handmade creations and artifacts from Africa and destinations around the world
• Complimentary admission tickets to local Orlando faith attractions
• Discounts and savings on faith travel guidebooks, magazines, and other related publications
“We are excited to debut this lucrative and exclusive voucher program at our Expo tradeshow. The special offers increased booth traffic for the exhibitors while travel agents and buyers are incentivized to meet them personally and learn about their products and services,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It truly makes for a Win-Win situation for all Expo delegates.”
Participants at the Expo also have the option to go on a free excursion to Orlando’s top faith-based attractions – the Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project. The post-conference tour will be led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. Tour members will be able to see the Orlando sights firsthand and learn how to incorporate them into their faith tourism portfolio.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of leaders in today’s faith tourism industry. About 500 participants are expected at the unprecedented event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov.1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more about WRTA EXPO 2008 and pricing discounts for agents and consortiums, or to register online, visit www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com or call 1-800-657-1288 (or 360-778-3047). For more information about becoming a WRTA Member and joining the leading network for the religious travel industry, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com.
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SPECIAL OFFERS PROGRAM FOR AGENTS
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 20, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced details of the special incentives and offers program, worth thousands of dollars, that will be available to buyers attending the inaugural World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
Highlights include:
• Bonus commissions and cash rebates up to $1,000
• Familiarization (FAM) trips and cruises ranging from the Caribbean to Europe to the Holy Land
• Prize drawings for airline tickets, escorted group tours, travel product baskets, and more
• Free gifts including handmade creations and artifacts from Africa and destinations around the world
• Complimentary admission tickets to local Orlando faith attractions
• Discounts and savings on faith travel guidebooks, magazines, and other related publications
“We are excited to debut this lucrative and exclusive voucher program at our Expo tradeshow. The special offers increased booth traffic for the exhibitors while travel agents and buyers are incentivized to meet them personally and learn about their products and services,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “It truly makes for a Win-Win situation for all Expo delegates.”
Participants at the Expo also have the option to go on a free excursion to Orlando’s top faith-based attractions – the Holy Land Experience, WordSpring Discovery Center and the master studio of The JESUS Film Project. The post-conference tour will be led by Wright, the award-winning author of several religious travel guidebooks. His latest, “The Christian Travel Planner,” (released 2008 by Thomas Nelson) is the most comprehensive guidebook ever published on faith-based travel. Tour members will be able to see the Orlando sights firsthand and learn how to incorporate them into their faith tourism portfolio.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of leaders in today’s faith tourism industry. About 500 participants are expected at the unprecedented event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov.1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more about WRTA EXPO 2008 and pricing discounts for agents and consortiums, or to register online, visit www.ReligiousTravelExpo.com or call 1-800-657-1288 (or 360-778-3047). For more information about becoming a WRTA Member and joining the leading network for the religious travel industry, visit www.ReligiousTravelAssociation.com.
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Oct 17, 2008
World Religious Travel Expo Spotlights Agent Education Opportunities
Agents Can Earn CEUs at World Religious Travel Expo & Educational Conference
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 7, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association has partnered with The Travel Institute to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to Certified Travel Industry Executives, Certified Travel Counselors (CTCs) and Certified Travel Associates (CTAs) attending this year’s inaugural WRTA Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
“Our goal is for each agent to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and information on how they can personally develop their particular niche within the dynamic faith-based travel industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “With more than 50 travel leaders and experts serving as speakers and panelists, the Expo seminars will offer the most comprehensive educational program ever assembled on religious tourism. Agents can attend sessions on marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and product development among others – all featuring an emphasis on the faith-based client.”
Through leading industry speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, interactive break-out sessions, educational seminars and peer Networking Forums, travel agents attending the expo can earn CEU's and expand their knowledge of the opportunities in various niches within the faith tourism industry. Travel agents can listen to and discuss with travel experts market trends, marketing intelligence and the latest products/services, plus discover actionable ways to exceed customer expectations in these market segments: Pilgrimages, Mission Trips, Cruises, Leisure Travel, Conferences, Events, Retreats, Attractions, Destinations, Adventure, Family, Student/Youth, and Volunteer Vacations.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of the “Who’s Who” in today’s faith tourism marketplace. More than 400 participants, including exhibitors and other top authorities, are expected at the historic event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 7, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association has partnered with The Travel Institute to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to Certified Travel Industry Executives, Certified Travel Counselors (CTCs) and Certified Travel Associates (CTAs) attending this year’s inaugural WRTA Expo and Educational Conference, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, in Orlando.
“Our goal is for each agent to acquire cutting-edge knowledge and information on how they can personally develop their particular niche within the dynamic faith-based travel industry,” said Kevin J. Wright, WRTA president. “With more than 50 travel leaders and experts serving as speakers and panelists, the Expo seminars will offer the most comprehensive educational program ever assembled on religious tourism. Agents can attend sessions on marketing, sales, advertising, public relations and product development among others – all featuring an emphasis on the faith-based client.”
Through leading industry speakers, dynamic presentations, panel discussions, interactive break-out sessions, educational seminars and peer Networking Forums, travel agents attending the expo can earn CEU's and expand their knowledge of the opportunities in various niches within the faith tourism industry. Travel agents can listen to and discuss with travel experts market trends, marketing intelligence and the latest products/services, plus discover actionable ways to exceed customer expectations in these market segments: Pilgrimages, Mission Trips, Cruises, Leisure Travel, Conferences, Events, Retreats, Attractions, Destinations, Adventure, Family, Student/Youth, and Volunteer Vacations.
The World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference serves as the most important gathering of the “Who’s Who” in today’s faith tourism marketplace. More than 400 participants, including exhibitors and other top authorities, are expected at the historic event. The Expo will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2008 at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Oct 3, 2008
WRTA EXPO: JORDAN’S AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE FOR TOURISM AND BAHAMAS’ MINISTER OF TOURISM AND AVIATION TO GIVE KEYNOTES
World Religious Travel Expo Speakers Bring Depth, Perspective on New Era of Faith Tourism
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 2, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced two additional keynote speakers for this fall’s historic World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2008 in Orlando, Florida: the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; and the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
The keynote speakers of the WRTA Expo reflect the diversity of today’s faith tourism industry. The Bahamas has developed itself into a top destination for this vast and lucrative market, serving as an ideal getaway for faith-based events, meetings, cruises, missionary travel, leisure vacations, and much more. And after years of building and refining the Jordan tourism product, Jordan has emerged as a multi-dimensional, affordable Holy Land destination that matches the expressed needs of faith-based travelers. From volun-tourism to adventure, educational to cultural travel, cruising to spa retreats and so much more, 21st century Christian travelers want what Jordan has to offer – so much so that Jordan has experienced record growth in tourism since 2000.
“We are honored to confirm these distinguished officials as keynote speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “Both represent destinations that offer what today’s religious travelers are looking for in the ‘new era’ of faith tourism.”
Vanderpool-Wallace oversees one of the world’s most proactive tourist offices involved in faith tourism. The Bahamas has the distinction of being one of the few countries in the world with a fully-dedicated religious travel department, led by director Linville J. Johnson.
Biltaji serves as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the upper house of Jordan’s parliament. He also represents his country as an Ambassador-at-Large in a number of national, regional and international forums, especially those related to tourism and travel. He is a special advisor on tourism promotion, foreign direct investment and country branding, and is a former minister of tourism and antiquities, having been appointed by His Majesty the late King Hussein in March, 1997. Senator Biltaji is known to be one of Jordan’s strongest public speakers, especially on issues related to the country's image and protection of its heritage.
LITTLETON, Colorado (Oct. 2, 2008) – The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) has announced two additional keynote speakers for this fall’s historic World Religious Travel Expo and Educational Conference 2008 in Orlando, Florida: the Honorable Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism and Aviation, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; and the Honorable Akel E. Biltaji, Jordan’s Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism and Special Advisor to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
The keynote speakers of the WRTA Expo reflect the diversity of today’s faith tourism industry. The Bahamas has developed itself into a top destination for this vast and lucrative market, serving as an ideal getaway for faith-based events, meetings, cruises, missionary travel, leisure vacations, and much more. And after years of building and refining the Jordan tourism product, Jordan has emerged as a multi-dimensional, affordable Holy Land destination that matches the expressed needs of faith-based travelers. From volun-tourism to adventure, educational to cultural travel, cruising to spa retreats and so much more, 21st century Christian travelers want what Jordan has to offer – so much so that Jordan has experienced record growth in tourism since 2000.
“We are honored to confirm these distinguished officials as keynote speakers,” said Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. “Both represent destinations that offer what today’s religious travelers are looking for in the ‘new era’ of faith tourism.”
Vanderpool-Wallace oversees one of the world’s most proactive tourist offices involved in faith tourism. The Bahamas has the distinction of being one of the few countries in the world with a fully-dedicated religious travel department, led by director Linville J. Johnson.
Biltaji serves as Chairman of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the upper house of Jordan’s parliament. He also represents his country as an Ambassador-at-Large in a number of national, regional and international forums, especially those related to tourism and travel. He is a special advisor on tourism promotion, foreign direct investment and country branding, and is a former minister of tourism and antiquities, having been appointed by His Majesty the late King Hussein in March, 1997. Senator Biltaji is known to be one of Jordan’s strongest public speakers, especially on issues related to the country's image and protection of its heritage.
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